Northern Kyoto is graced with scores of centuries-old shrines and temples, including several World Heritage Sites. One of Kyoto's most famous attractions - the magnificent golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji - can be found here.

Get in

By train

Keihan Railways connects North Kyoto with Eastern Kyoto at Demachiyanagi Station, the final stop on the line. On the Western side, Keifuku Railways provides easy access to the area from Arashiyama, with stops for Ninnaji, Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, and Kitano Tenmangu (Kitano Hakubaicho Station).

By subway

Kitaōji Station on the municipal subway system's Karasuma Line gives travellers easy access to a key bus terminal that serves parts of northern Kyoto. The Karasuma Line itself continues north all the way to Kokusaikaikan Station, near the Kyoto International Conference Center.

By bus

Northern Kyoto covers a large area, so many buses travel through the region. The #8 North (北８) bus makes a loop around the entire northern area. In the northwest, #59 passes most of the major attractions. In the northeast bus #4 and #5 each travel around popular touring spots.

The #8 is the only bus that will take you to and from the Takao area. The #17 bus will take you to the Ohara area. Both of these areas are located outside of the boundary of the ¥500 All-Day Bus pass, so do not purchase the pass if you are travelling to either of these areas.

See

North-western Kyoto

Visiting the vast temple complexes of north-western Kyoto can take the better part of a day. A suggested itinerary is to take the subway (Karasuma line) to Kitaoji station, and walk west along Kitaoji-dori. Daitokuji, Kinkakuji, Ryoanji and Ninnaji Temples are all on Kitaoji-dori, and about 15-30 minutes' walk apart. En route, you will see the giant "dai" (大) symbol burned on Mt. Daimon-ji, which can be climbed in an hour or so - look for the entrance near Ginkaku-ji (see below). If you're in Kyoto at night on August 16th, look up - you'll see the (大) aflame. Hirano Shrine is a short walk south along Nishioji-dori from Kinkakuji. If you still have time left at the end of the day, take the pleasant electric railway (Keifuku Kitano line) from Omuro to Katabiranotsuji, then take the JR Sagano line from nearby Uzumasa station back to central Kyoto.

Kinkaku-ji in winter

Kinkaku-ji Temple (金閣寺), 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku (Nearest bus stops: Kinkakuji-michi (routes 12, 59, 101, 102, 204, 205) or Kinkakuji-mae (12 and 59)), [1]. Open daily 9 AM-5 PM. The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, formally known as Rokuonji (鹿苑寺), is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto. The pavilion was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century, and converted into a temple by his son. However, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950, by a young monk who had become obsessed with it. (The story became the basis for Yukio Mishima's novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.) The beautiful landscaping and the reflection of the temple on the face of the water make for a striking sight, but keeping the mobs of visitors out of your photos will be a stern test for your framing abilities. Get there early if you can to beat the school groups. Visitors follow a path through the moss garden surrounding the pavilion, before emerging into a square crowded with gift shops. It's only a short walk from Ryōan-ji (below), making for an easy pairing (and study in contrasts).Admission fee is ¥400.

Ryōan-ji (龍安寺), (Nearest bus stop: Ryōanji-mae, route 59; nearest Randen tram stop, Ryoanji-michi), ☎075-463-2216, [2]. Open daily 8 AM - 5 PM (Mar-Nov), 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Dec-Feb). Famous for its Zen garden, which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. Surrounded by low walls, an austere arrangement of fifteen rocks sits on a bed of white gravel. That's it: no trees, no hills, no ponds, and no trickling water. Behind the simple temple that overlooks the rock garden is a stone washbasin called Tsukubai said to have been contributed by Tokugawa Mitsukuni in the 17th century. It bears a simple but profound four-character inscription: "I learn only to be contented". There is a fantastic boiled tofu (湯豆腐 yudōfu) restaurant on the grounds, which you should be able to find by following the route away from the rock garden and towards the exit. It is slightly expensive, but serves delicious, traditional tofu dishes. The rest of the grounds are worth a look too - particularly the large pond.Admission ¥500.

Ninnaji Temple (仁和寺), (Nearest bus stop: Omuro Ninnaji, routes 10, 26, 59), ☎075-461-1155, [3]. Open daily 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Another large temple complex which is often overlooked by tourists. Admission to the grounds is free, allowing visitors to view the 17th century five-story pagoda, and the plantation of dwarf cherry trees (which are always the last to bloom in Kyoto, in early-mid April). Inside the former palace building (which admission is charged to enter) some beautifully painted screen walls are featured, along with a walled garden. In the hills behind the temple, there is a delightful miniature version of the renowned 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku, which takes an hour or two (rather than a month or two). This can provide a delightful end to a day of looking at tourist attractions.Walking around the temple grounds is free however, entrance to the former palace building costs ¥500.

Daitokuji Temple (大徳寺), 53 Murasakino (Nearest bus stop: Daitokuji-mae, routes 28 and 91), ☎075-491-0019. A large temple complex, boasting many smaller sub-temples within its grounds. Daitokuji is the quietest of the temples in north-western Kyoto, and if you visit it at the start of the day, you could virtually have it to yourself. Eight of the twenty-four subtemples open to the public (most days 9 AM - 5 PM), and each charges an admission fee (around ¥400). The two most popular sub-temples are Daisen-in, located on the northern side of the temple complex, which has a beautiful Zen garden, along with delicious cinammon sweets that only this temple has rights to sell/produce (you can sample one if you get the tea or buy a pack for ¥700), and Koto-in particularly noted for its maple trees, which are beautiful in autumn, if you don't mind the crowds.

Imamiya Shrine, 21 Imamiya-cho Murasakino Kita-ku (Just outside of the Daitokuji complex), ☎075-491-0082. Although the current structure dates back to 1902, the original was built during the Heian Period. At the time, the city was being plagued by illness and disease, so Imamiya Shrine was built to appease the gods. Even today, many visitors come to pray for good health and to ward of illness.Entrance is free.

Hirano Shrine (平野神社), Hirano Miyamoto-cho, Kita-ku (Nearest bus stop: Waratenjin-mae, routes 50, 102, 204, 205), [4]. Open from 6 AM to 5 PM. A small shrine, which is an especially popular destination during the cherry blossom season, setting up amusement and food stalls. A small park of cherry trees next to the shrine is hung with lanterns and drawings by local schoolchildren. Admission is free.

Kitano Tenmangu, (Nearest bus stop: Kitano Tenmagumae, routes 10 and 50; just east of Kitano Hakubai-Cho, additional routes 101, 102, 204, 205), ☎075-461-0005, [5]. Normal hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, on the 25th of every month hours extend from 7 AM to 9 PM. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine was built to appease the soul of Michizane Sugawara, who was a respected member of the Heian Court until he was exiled to Kyushu after falling into disfavor with the Emperor. He died while in exile, and soon after his death, a series of natural disasters mysteriously began plaguing Kyoto. Many suspected that it was the soul of Michizane seeking vengeance, so in order to console his spirit, he was made the God of Learning, and Kitano Tenmangu was built to honor him. Many plum trees were planted within and around the grounds of the shrine, because they were Michizane's favorite flowers, so this shrine is especially beautiful during the plum blossom season from mid-February to mid-March.The shrine is free to enter, though the treasure house charges a separate ¥300 admission.

Myoshinji Temple, 64 Hanazono Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo-ku (Nearest bus stop: Myoshin Kitamon-mae, routes 10 and 26. Nearest Randen tram station: Myoshinji), ☎075-461-5226, [6]. A large Zen temple complex famous for its large collection of famous artwork. To enter the main hall of Myoshin-ji, you must pay for a tour (tours typically operate every 20 minutes). Inside the main hall you'll find the temple's large dragon painting on the ceiling and the bell. Myoshinji's bell was made in 698, making it the oldest in Japan. As one of the head Zen temples, there are many sub-temples on the temple grounds, each with its own sites and separate fees. Some of the sub-temples are even available for overnight stays and meditation (see "Sleep" section).Admission fee: ¥500.

Takao area

While the Takao area offers a modest number of sightseeing opportunities, it is one of Kyoto's most famous places to view the fall leaves. Throughout the autumnal season, the place is quite lively with vendors selling fresh treats and lanterns along the river at night. On the off-season, the area is very quiet, with few tourists. You can see the area in a half-day trip if you wish or stay a little longer to revel in the area's natural beauty (see Momijiya in "Sleep" section for accommodation in the area).

Jingo-ji (神護寺), (In front of Kyoto Station, take JR Bus bound for Takao/Keihoku and get off at Yamashiro Takao Station (free with JR Pass), walk down a flight of winding stairs, cross a small bridge, and walk up for about ten minutes.). Open9AM-4PM. An overlooked gem among Kyoto temples, it is an ideal place to visit for those wanting to escape the tourist hordes. It is located in Mt. Takao in the north-western corner of Kyoto. Jingoji Temple was established by Priest Kukai as the head of the Shingon Sect during the Heian Period. Make sure you walk all the way to the back of the temple ground to a commanding view of the Kiyotaki River below wedged between two hills; here you can buy clay disks, which you throw down the mountain after making a wish. The temple is especially lovely in the fall, when the leaves all turn colors.Admission fee is ¥500.

Saimyoji Temple. A former sub-temple of Jingoji. While it is not worth making a special trip to see this temple, those touring the Takao area might as well visit, as it is located on the path connecting Jingo-ji to Kozan-ji. The bridge leading to the temple and the lanterns outside the entrance are quite nice.Entrance is free.

Kozan-ji. Registered as one of Kyoto's 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kozanji is a small temple dating all the way back to the Kamakura period. Inside the temple you'll find a famous painting of rabbits and monkeys acting as humans, considered to be the world's first manga.Temple grounds are free, entrance to the temple is ¥600.

North-eastern Kyoto

Shimogamo Shrine, 59 Izumigawa-cho, Shimogamo (From Keihan Demachiyanagi Station, cross the bridge and turn left. Takes about 10 minutes), ☎075-781-0010, [7]. Originally built prior to Kyoto becoming Japan's capital, Shimogamo is one of the first shrines built in Kyoto. Together with Kamigamo Shrine, they are known as the Kamo Shrines. These shrines were one of the most revered shrines by the Imperial Court, who made often made offerings here. The forest surrounding the shrine, known as Tadasu no Mori, is believed to be a natural forest, and legend has it that the secrets of those who enter the forest will be revealed. Shimogamo is also a great place to experience Japanese festivals, as many special events are held here, including the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's top three festivals.Entrance is free.

Stairs, Kamigamo Shrine

Kamigamo Shrine, 3-3-9 Motoyama, ☎075-781-0011, [8]. Collectively, Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine are known as the Kamo Shrines, and they were highly favored by the Imperial Court during the Heian Period. The shrine is most famous for the tatesuna, the two large sand cones. Their origins and original purpose are unknown, but it has been speculated that they represent nearby mountains. Kamigamo Shrine is one of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites.Entrance is free.

Kyoto Botanical Garden. Japan's first botanical garden, the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden is quite large and houses a wide variety of plants. It is a popular place for plum blossom viewing in February and early March and cherry blossoms, which typically bloom in early April. The indoor garden has a wide variety of tropical plants, desert cactuses, and other plants. The entrance fee only covers the outside gardens, but the additional fee to see the garden is quite nominal, so it is well worth it.¥200 to see the outdoor flowers and gardens and an additional ¥200 to see the indoor botanical garden.

Shugakuin Imperial Villa, ☎075-211-1215, [9]. You must make reservations in order to visit Shugakuin. A beautiful villa commissioned by Emperor Gomizuno-o in 1655 and completed four years later. The area is separated into three separate villas. In the lower villa, you'll find a lovely garden with a stream running through it and the Jugetsukan, where the emperor relaxed before making his way to the upper villa. The middle villa is home to the Rakushi-ken, princess Akinomiya's home, and the Kyaku-den, which was also given to Akinomiya when the consort that is was built for died prior to its completion. These buildings contain some particularly beautiful artwork, and an interesting flat pine tree. After seeing all of that, you will finally be escorted to the upper villa. Upon entering the villa, you will ascend the stairs to discover a gorgeous view of the garden and Yokuryu Pond. The tour ends with a stroll along the outer edges of a pond, past a waterfall and the bridges. Princess Diana was once a guest here, a fact the tour guides love to share with visitors. The best time to visit is said to be the autumn when the leaves are changing. If you plan to visit, make your reservation 3 months in advance for the best chances.Entrance is free.

Entsu-ji. A temple famous for its gardens. A particularly unique feature of this garden is incorporation of Mount Hiei, of which there is a great view from the temple, into the layout of the garden.

Myoman-ji, 91 Hataedacho Iwakura, ☎075-791-7171, [10]. For anyone looking to see something slightly different from the standard Japanese temple, Myoman-ji offers a replica of Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple, where the Buddha obtained Enlightenment. The rest of the complex is quite Japanese, but still very beautiful, with artwork and a garden.Temple grounds are free, entrance to the main hall and garden ¥300.

Shisendo, 27 Monguchi-machi, ☎075-781-2954. Built in 1641, this temple once housed the poet Jozan Ishikawa. Inside the temple there are portraits of 36 influential Chinese poets. Outside there is a garden filled with many azaleas.Entrance is ¥500.

Ohara area

Sanzen-in Temple

Jakko-in, ☎075-744-2545, [11]. Open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Built in honor of Prince Shotoku's father, the temple's Jizo contains 6000 tiny Buddha statues inside. The temple is also significant as the final resting place of Empress Kenreimonin, the only member of the Taira clan to survive in the Tales of Heike.Entrance is ¥500.

Sanzen-in, [12]. Open from 8 AM to 5 PM. As the top attraction in the Ohara area, this temple is well worth the visit. Housed within the temple are three ancient Buddha statues. Outside, there is a lovely moss garden and a variety of buddhist statues ranging from the typical spiritual statues to adorable, animated statues.Entrance fee: ¥700.

Raigo-in, 537 Raigo-in-cho, Ohara, ☎075-744-2161. Open from 9 AM to 5 PM. A temple famous for its Buddhist chants, visitors can hear these chants for free on Sundays at 1 PM. Sutra copying is also offered for ¥1000.Entrance is ¥300.

Amida-ji. A temple where followers are trained to recite the Nyoho Nenbutsu chants. The statue kept within the shrine was originally adorned with the hair of the temple's founding priest.

Shorin-in, 187 Shorinin-machi, ☎075-744-2409. Open from 9 AM to 5 PM. The priest Honen's famous question-and-answer session was held in the temple's hondo. At the session, he is said to have shined the temple's principal Buddhist sculpture using only his prayers. Entrance is ¥300.

Hosen-in, 187 Shorinin-machi, Ohara, ☎075-744-2409. Open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Like Yogen-in in Higashiyama, the ceiling of Hosen-in was built using the floorboards of Fushimi Castle, where a bloody historic battle took place. As a result, you'll notice blood stains on the ceiling. Outside, there is a charming garden containing a famous 700 year old pine tree.Entrance is ¥600.

Zen Meditation at Taizo-in, [14]. Session occurs from 9 AM to 1 PM only one day per week. Much more than simply a Zen meditation session, after one hour of meditation, participants will also get to experience a brief tea ceremony, calligraphy lessons, and an English tour of the temple's garden. It is a rare opportunity for tourists, but be aware that you will need to devote half of a day for the entire session. Reservations are required, but you can make your reservation in English at the website. All participants must be at least 15 years of age.Cost: ¥7500.

Buy

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Flea Market. On the 25th of each month Kitano Tenmangu hosts a flea market, with vendors lining both sides of the pathway leading up to the honden and then extends around each side. Pottery, porcelain, traditional dolls, and clothing are among the items sold, along with food. If you can manage to get here on the 25th, it's a great place to find unique souvenirs for great prices.

Eat

Budget

Kurazushi, 4 Hiranomiyajiki-cho (Between Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji, across from the Inshodomoto Museum of Fine Arts), ☎075-466-6101, [15]. Open from 11 AM to 11 PM. A cheap and fun way to dine. For every five plates you finish, put the down the shoot to play a game on the screen above the sushi. Each game is different, but you'll typically be asked to choose one of three options and then watch the animation to see if you win. If you win, you get a prize. It's entertaining, and the sushi is tastes good.¥100 per dish.

Mid-range

Falafel Garden, 3-16 Shimoyanagi-cho, ☎075-712-1856, [16]. Open from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Closed Wed. in April and May. An Israeli restaurant serving a variety of falafel pockets, as well as meal sets.Medium-sized falafels range in price from ¥860-1100, large sizes available.

Splurge

Matsuno Manryo, ☎075-701-1577, [17]. Open from noon to 9 PM (last serving at 7:30 PM. An expensive restaurant recommended for those craving high-quality eel, as it is famous for its eel dishes.Prices range from ¥4000-20000. A small bowl of eel soup (considered to be the most famous dish) is ¥5000.

Bistro Cerisier (ビストロスリージェ bisutoro suriije), (A 4 minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station), ☎075-723-5564. Lunch 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Dinner 6 PM to 9:30 PM (Closed Wed.). A French restaurant decorated with a variety of French posters. They claim to have the approval of the French themselves.Expect to pay ¥1,000-3,000.

Drink

Most of the drinking options in the Northern area are located in the Eastern section, within walking distance of Keihan and Eizan Railway stations.

Bar Moonwalk, [18]. Offers a large selection of drinks at a great cost. Finger food is also available.Drinks sell for about ¥200 each, though expect smaller quantities of alcohol than the average bar..

Ringo, 23 Tanakamonzen-cho B1, ☎075-721-3195, [19]. Open from 5 PM to 3 AM. Closed Mondays. A bar dedicated to the Beatles' singer Ringo Star, with Beatles memorabilia decorating the walls and even a cover band that plays here live. The fresh pizza is quite good.Cocktails cost ¥400, handmade pizza ¥730.

The Flying Keg (World Beer Bar), 6 Tanakasatonomae-cho, Sakyo-ku (Near Mototanaka Station on the Eizan Line), ☎075-701-0245, [20]. Open from 7 PM to 12:30 AM (1 AM on weekends). A great place for anyone wanting to sample beers from around the world or missing beer from home, The Flying Keg offers beers from the U.S., Kenya, Germany, Ireland, Israel, China, Mexico, Australia, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, Belgium, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Italy, and the UK.Most drinks sell for ¥600-900, wines for ¥2000-3000.

Sleep

Budget-minded travelers and those escaping the bustle of the urban core may prefer this area. To reach the central city easily, look for connections to the Kitaōji subway station (K04 on the Karasuma line) and bus terminal, the transportation hub of northern Kyoto.

Budget

Temple lodgings

Myōren-ji Temple (妙蓮寺), Teranouchi Omiya Higashi-iru, Horikawa, Kamigyo-ku (Three minutes by foot from Horikawa Teranouchi Stop on Bus #9 and 12 - the former leaves from Kyoto Station, the latter from Shijo Karasuma subway station), ☎+81 (0)75-451-3527. checkin: 6 PM; checkout: 7 AM. Facilities: in-room air-conditioner; no bath but a public bath is nearby; guests should bring their own bath towel and shampoo as the public bath only lends out mini-towels and soap.¥3800 per person (including entrance fee to public bath).

Myōshin-ji Shunko-in Temple (妙心寺春光院), 42 Myoshinji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo-Ku (Five minutes by foot from the JR Hanazono station, 12-15 minutes away from the JR Kyoto station by JR Sagano Line), ☎+81 (0)75-462-5488 (rev.taka.kawakami@gmail.com), [23]. checkin: 3−7 PM; checkout: noon. The only English available temple accommodation in Kyoto. The guest house has two rooms. A room has a private shower room, toilet, and AC (or a heater). Next to the guest house, there is a fully equipped shared kitchen. The temple hosts many important artistic and cultural properties related to Zen Buddhism, Shinto, and Christianity. One of the properties is the Bell of Nanbanji, which is designated as a national cultural important properties. Call or e-mail for reservation.¥5,000 per person (including a tour of temple and rental bicycle). Zen meditation & tour: ¥2000 (including a bowl of maccha green tea and Japanese sweet)..

Myōshin-ji Tōrin-in, 59 Myoshinji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo-ku (10 minutes by foot from Hanazono Station on JR Sagano Line or 7 minutes by foot from Myoshin-ji Mae Stop on buses #8, #10, and #26), ☎+81 (0)75-463-1334. Only accept reservations from foreigners if they are with a Japanese person. 10 rooms with a maximum capacity of 40; shared bath. Curfew at 9pm. Lights out at 10pm.¥4700 with breakfast; ¥6000 with breakfast and dinner; Shojin meal (Buddhist vegetarian) ¥3,000−8,000; Shojin cooking class ¥3000.

Hostels

Utano Youth Hostel, 9 Nakayama-cho, Uzumasa, Ukyo-ku (off Kitaoji-dori), ☎+81 (0)75-462-2288 (utano@yh-kyoto.or.jp), [24]. checkin: 3:00−11:30 PM; checkout: before 10 AM. Near Ryoanji and Kinkakuji in northwestern Kyoto. There are three bus lines that go out there (26 from Kyoto Station, 10 and 59 from Sanjo-Keihan station) and the stop is right in front of the hostel (Utano Youth Hostel Mae). Bicycle rentals are available and guests are welcome to use the kitchen, bath and laundry facilities.Dorm room ¥3300, twin ¥4000/person.

GuestHouse Bon (ゲストハウス『凡』), 63-2 Kamimonzen-cho Murasakino, Kita-ku (8 min. west of Kitaōji subway station K04, north exit), ☎+81 (0)75-493-2337, [27]. checkin: 3−10 PM; checkout: 11 AM. Located in northwest Kyoto, immediately east of Daitokuji. Inexpensive bicycle rentals. The guest house owner has lived in Western countries before and can speak fluent English and a pinch of Spanish. All Japanese-style rooms, but can be converted to dorm style upon request for larger parties.Singles ¥3800−4500, doubles ¥4500−6000, triples ¥7500.

Midrange

Holiday Inn Kyoto, 36 Takano, Nishihiraki-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8103 (Several minutes away on foot from the Takanobashi-higashizume bus stop), ☎075-721-3131 (fax: 075-781-6178), [29]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. The hotel runs a scheduled shuttle service to and from Kyoto Station for its guests (details available on the website [30]).Rates start at ¥10000.

Momijiya, Takao Umegahata, Ukyo-ku, ☎075-871-1005, [31]. Although this hotel operates year round, it is extremely popular in the autumn ("momiji" is the Japanese term for the changing of leaves). It is located in the quiet, far northeastern area of Takao near the foot of the stairway leading to Jingo-ji. It makes for a nice retreat, and you can opt to stay in a room with an open-air bath to relax while you enjoy the natural surroundings.All rooms are designed for at least 2 people. Prices start from ¥14700.

Contact

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